Septic Assistance Program

The TJPDC administers the Septic Assistance Program through DEQ’s IIJA funding for Calendar Year 2025.

The TJPDC Septic Assistance Program funds are distributed to the TJPDC through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. This funding supports local non-profits who rehabilitate homes owned by low-income households in the rural parts of the planning district, including Greene, Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson and parts of Albemarle County.

If you are a homeowner and need assistance with a septic tank pump out, repair, or replacement on your home, please contact the appropriate organization for assistance:

Applicants MUST apply before having any work done to qualify for funding.

Eligible activities that may be undertaken with SAP funds include septic maintenance, inspection, repair, replacement, and connection to public sewer.

Benefits of Proper Septic System Maintenance

1. Environmental Benefits

Properly functioning septic systems are crucial for protecting our environment. When septic systems fail, they can release harmful pollutants into the surrounding environment:

  • Groundwater Contamination: Failing septic systems can contaminate groundwater with harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals like nitrogen and phosphorus. Groundwater is a vital source of drinking water for many communities, and contamination can pose serious health risks.
  • Waterway Pollution: These pollutants can travel from groundwater into nearby streams, rivers, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. This pollution can harm aquatic life, disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem, and degrade water quality for recreational activities like swimming and fishing.

2. Financial Benefits

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Preventative maintenance, such as regular inspections and pump outs, is significantly more cost-effective than emergency repairs or complete system replacements.
    • Example: A regular pump out may cost a few hundred dollars, while an emergency repair or replacement can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.
  • Extended System Lifespan: Regular maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of your septic system, preventing costly and disruptive replacements down the line.

3. Public Health Benefits

Failing septic systems pose significant public health risks:

  • Exposure to Harmful Pathogens: Leaking septic systems can release harmful bacteria and viruses into the environment, increasing the risk of illness.
  • Contamination of Drinking Water: As mentioned earlier, contaminated groundwater can pose a serious threat to public health.
  • Increased Risk of Skin Infections and Respiratory Problems: Exposure to pollutants from failing septic systems can increase the risk of skin infections and respiratory problems.
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Maintaining a properly functioning septic system is not only environmentally responsible, but also financially prudent and essential for protecting public health.

Interested in learning more about responsible septic maintenance?